Victoria

I really don't frequent RWI much; it's a Coke or Pepsi thing... Geez, those actions are uncalled for! -some folks have no sense of humor

If only you knew...

Anyway, RWI has been supplanted in my affections by Repgeeks. RWI is good for the young vibe they have, and the joint is always jumping. But I just don't get much info there, as I do here.

But all forums offer their own positives, of course. Like with RWG I can go from Joan Blondell showing off her gams to Crown Prince Willie wearing his busby and no one cares. Brilliant!

Also thanks to Victoria for her help,

No, Sssurfer. I wish I could take any credit, but I forgot to PM the mods.

and for living on this Earth.

Mars kicked me out!

It wasn't Klink, if that's what you said. Klink at least has a sense of humour.

No...I was thinking of someone else, whom we all know, perhaps a bit bitter...but least said, soonest mended.

P.S.: I just saw your reply about Gollum. Just having seen LOTR Part 1, and not having read the series, I hadn't that image in mind. Drat. I really thought it was a Crown Prince Wilhelm hommage!

You have gone down just the TINIEST bit in my estimation, Puggy. I suggest another review.

EDIT: Meanwhile, no one has commented on Stephane's equally disturbing avatar change. PANERAI! ON CARBON STRAP. I don't know about you, but I got chills.

... until it gets flattened by the wind.

Insurance, mon ami, insurance. That's why people still live in California, thlough allegedly one day they'll be in the bottom of the sea...

Just love these two, to death! What an awesome collection, Subzero1. You put me to shame!

I got a very abusive PM from someone on RWI about it. I won't go into details, but it was very unfriendly, calling me by my real name, showing me he had photos of me from the internet. Very disturbing. I won't say who it was, but it was a known poster hiding behind an alias.

Jesus Christmas! I know it's cheeky, but it's all in good fun...geez. If it's the person I am thinking of, what can I say. He seemed loopy, but not creepy.

(I editted my post above, omitting names. Safer, I suppose, but also more discrete)

Pug, I love your new avatar

LIFE IS GOOD!

P.S.: Poor Crown Prince Wilhelm. Still the butt of jokes 100 years later.

Although his avatar is August von Mackensen, of course.

The Senape is sensational I got mine yesterday and I am blown away of the look and feel.

Wow! What great timing, Maximilian. I'm so happy you can relate to the strap.

Certain straps can be hard to describe, both in texture and look. But the Senape reminds me...of Iron Eyes Cody. What? Don't remember him? Sure, you do! He was that crying indian chief in the "Keep America Beautiful" adverts, recently reseen on TVLand.

His exact complexion colour and craggy, mottled skin is reflected in this amazing strap.

I have tried it on both my 111 and 177 but right now it sits on my 111 mainly coz a Toscana Capretto tan is hard to beat on a Ti Pam.

EXACTAMUNDO. Versatile, but Titanium = Senape = match made in heaven.

Thanks for the writeup Vic.

Thank you for taking the time to read it!

ADDED: Ooh, Youtube!

I must say, I was rather stunned by those who had longed to see the Bob Blue Shark strap in Part 2. I had about 2-4 PMs and replies about it, both publicly and privately, and you are no writer if you don't SOMETIMES listen to the requests of your readers. Ahem.

So the sharky is back today, bumping the Strap Culture strap for another week!

Speaking of which, next week I plan to photograph a new set of straps against a background of other suits, or shirts, the better to mix things up a bit. Even I felt it was getting to be a bit repetitive, whether dear old dad's suits look spiffing or not.

(Don't worry, these togs below will see a comeback later in the year)

So stay tuned then for a sport-casual wardrobe change. Here's a hint: country gentlemen and those handy with a twelve-bore will surely want to check next week's installment.

Without further ado, I give you the Great Panerai Strap Caper, Part 3.

STRAP NUMBER 1

- "BOB Shark Strap for Breitling, cobalt blue, 24/20 mm" (For Panerai 24/22 on request/seasonally)

LEATHER MAKERS: Waccex

MERCHANTS: Waccex.com

COST: U$34.80

BANG FOR BUCK VALUE: Decent

RESALE VALUE: $15-$25 at 95% condition

SALE AVAILABILITY: Auction bids available via eBay store, or Buy it Now for U$34.99. Infrequently found on accessory sections in forums.

DESCRIPTION: I was lucky to find this strap available at the Sales section on RWI. Really, it is an one of a kind colour, not quite the described cobalt, not quite Prussian blue, or robin's egg blue -- but a combination of all three. Certainly, the Bob Blue Shark is NOT for the faint of heart. A person will see you wearing this a mile away. This is the kind of strap you wear on a motorcyle, at a yacht party, or as a good carbon strap alternative, whilst holidaying at the beach. Kids will love you, and women will give you "the eye". Note, the texture is a bit rubbery, although genuine sharkskin, but for that price it's a steal.

SIZE RANGE: Tricky since Breitling sizes are not Panerai sizes but it is listed as 120/80 mm in 24/20 mm (I have it for Panerais at 24/22). PM Christian or Markus at Waccex or RWG for more info.

BUCKLE: Logoless tang "thumbnail" springbar buckle in SS, included.

DRESS COLOURS: Denims, khakis, and just about anything in corduroy. With such a potent blue, obviously stay away from reds, browns and greens, but whites and blacks are amazing against it. Despite its summery tone, I can see a man in a turtle-neck beige sweater and the Bob blue sharky looking smashing this Christmas.

BEST PANERAI WATCH MATCH: PAM 004 (any PVD), PAM 202, PAM 252 (North Pole), PAM 199 (shown)

PHOTO COMPARISON #1 (CAMEL/TAN OVERCOAT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #2 (BLACK SUIT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #3 (GREY SUIT)

STRAP NUMBER 2

- "Mario Paci Special Edition "Allora a Ora" in Senape with new Pre-V Natural buckle"

LEATHER MAKERS: Cuoierie Meccaniche Brelli di Ciampi

MERCHANTS: Timeconnection.biz

COST: U$199.00

BANG FOR BUCK VALUE: Excellent

RESALE VALUE: $70-90 at 85-95% condition

SALE AVAILABILITY: Frequently offered for U$109.00 in Daily Specials. Sometimes offered alongside the Anacardo in other forums' specials.

DESCRIPTION: I have YET to see a Panerai watch which this strap doesn't compliment. Wow, what a versatile strap, and if you need ONE tan strap in your arsenal, this baby is it. It's got a rough craggy leather look to it that is so macho, you can imagine Gary Cooper wearing it in High Noon. If you've got tanned muscly or spindly white arms, the Senape doesn't care. It'll make you look good regardless. And take special note Titanium and Cali-dial owners! This one's special.

SIZE RANGE: 115/75 to 130/85 in 24/24 to 115/80 in 26/26

BUCKLE: Included. Sewn-in brushed Pre-V natural buckle (no logo)

DRESS COLOURS: Wear it with cowboy boots or boat shoes. I can't think of one colour which will look bad with it. I especially think white bermuda shorts, a blue polo shirt, and a sweater wrapped around the shoulders, as well as jeans and a tee, cannot fail. This is a strap you can wear with a grey business suit, and it'll still look serious.

BEST PANERAI WATCH MATCH: PAM 177, PAM 249, PAM 232/233

PHOTO COMPARISON #1 (CAMEL/TAN OVERCOAT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #2 (BLACK SUIT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #3 (GREY SUIT)

NEXT WEEK, PART FOUR (New comparison gear):

- Strap Culture's Legend Historic Brown #2

- Toscana Arruginito

As I'd written earlier, I was on www.iwcflieger.com today, having chanced on this IWC watches spread. Since Search didn't come up with a previous post, here are some pics for your IWC delectation.

Conference held on 19 April 2007, at the Hotel Real in Nyon.

(Wearing an IWC?? Ahh, maybe a Da Vinci Kurt Klaus design)

The Da Vinci Chrono above.

Portofino Automatics.

Here you go Vic

How dear and kind, Mrs. FxrAndy is. Thank you both so much for the effort!

(She's got lovely hands, as smooth as a cherub's!)

I must say, I am rather impressed. The white dial doesn't at all look masculine, as I thought. I am still partial to the Porto, or 3717, as Jeff mentioned, but this is now not out of the question either.

I've been on www.iwcflieger.com a lot today, and every time I look at these watches, a little part of me whistles in appreciation.

Okay, I wouldn't wear a Saint-Exupery, Ingy or Cousteau Diver, but they are very elegant.

THAT'S IT, I'M GOING INTO STRAPMAKING. Sheesh, every else is doing it, why not the Strap Queen??!!

CBR, really, great straps, and I cannot BELIEVE these are your first efforts. Are you kidding me? Wow. The one above is my fave. It really compliments an ungainly Panerai which is difficult to match for texture and styling, IMHO.

V's Connolly was great though, but yours looks hip and smart at the same time.

Not too shabby! Would've looked a little better in rose gold, I think, but Mrs. TMG looks great either way, I'm sure.

And tell her to come on here once in a while, will ya...sad I'm the only girl now, since Rima and Denise left.

This forum has become very, very apathetic lately... and I guess we have to find new ways to "spark" the interest.

Don't worry, this past month was the height of summer holidays.

If any of you have been on forums, you know there is a considerable ebb in replies/seemingly thus "interest", by its membership.

Take heart people! By November this place will be off the hook.

Theres more to see and do here anyway!

Yes, there is, but that still doesn't help Sssurfer with his problem.

The other day, people were telling me they couldn't access RWI, but I could (later that day, even I couldn't). Not sure if it's some kind of glitch on their side, or on your IP, but since I'm on there too, I'll let them know.

Is your ID the same as here? That would help.

MONDAY

My mood is as sombre today as the clouds which broke here earlier, for Labour Day. So I'm wearing the Grigio Toscana strap on my busted PAM 199 from Paul...

The Grigio is awesome for all those big bezel PAMs, so 024, Arktos owners take note.

TUESDAY

I suspect Tuesday will be just as rainy, so no way will I put on the nicer straps. Here is my new Velcro in "Panerai" blue. The DSN 112, of course.

Like Stephane, I am in love with the PAM 112's simplicity, and like him, I change the straps 1 or 2 times per day.

(I'll be back to my chipper self tomorrow, for Part 3 of the Great Panerai Strap Caper. Might be a little late though)

I watched a big lion slowly turn into a mouse. I lost my best friend, my mentor, my hero, my confidante... My Daddy, my Pop. So suddenly and so viciously.

*cries*

My deepest condolences and hugs...RIP Euno's Daddy.

RWG is unbearably slow right now, so forgive no personalised replies -- takes too long to load...

Just to say thank you to all who have replied so far with ideas, RCHK, FxrAndy, Deltatahoe, Lazarini, Maximilian, everyone!

Dea Mademoiselle V.

indeed the portuguese is a very classy watch : I will buy a quartz version of it to avoid any seconds@6 issue. I know you have no problem with cheaper reps, which make us "compatible" to some extent

I am getting progressively more snobby with the PAMs but oddly, not so much with non-PAMs. I have no problems with the Porto being quartz, as you say, Pix.

Ideally you should try to get it from Ruby or some dealer who accepts hunting for you.

With your idea in mind, I've shot a PM to a collector we all know and love. I'm sure he'll get a Porto chrono in black with panda dials for me -- in quartz!

http://www.ioffer.com/i/IWC-Portuguese-Qua...-watch-27151161

That's so-so because of the lack of panda dials. Now, normally I cannot stand those things, but I admit, it softens the Porto to make it more feminine to my eyes.

The skeletons look like the Chronoswiss I have, and are less IWCish than the others, but thanks for the links! I can't believe you took such time looking these up for me, Pix. I hope to retribute in kind one day!

For all of them, I would suggest a genuine croc or alligator (glossy) chestnut strap...

Genuine croc black strap, I think!

Hope this helps. I'll surely soon review the Quartz portuguese.

I can't wait, thanks for that in advance.

We still did not find which watch Audrey Tautou's wearing, but I feel that Sophie Marceau's one might be acceptable

Dude, could it be that Mlle Tautou wears no watch?? Heartbreaking. I have to find my copy of L'Auberge Espagnole, toute-de-suite.

For now I'd go for the 3717. I'm getting mine from the post office today (can't wait!). Sometimes you don't want a really big watch, but not too small either. Discrete and yet eyecatching at the same time. And such a simple and elegant design.

Thanks for the reply, and advice, Dangerman. And you too Fitmic!

http://www.watchsilix.com/product.asp?id=1741

http://www.watchsilix.com/product.asp?id=1041

Since I am going to wait for the Porto (being the one I like), I wonder if I can wet my feet with this Big Pilot. However, why does it look like it has a blue dial? Is it the AR? On the description is says 'black dial'.

Any hints if this cheapo is worth it?

I still have time until Jays sends me the package Tuesday, to decide to include another one.

@Fitmic specifically: I know, I know. A Panerai girl shouldn't be talking about how masculine a watch looks. But the thing is...as I keep saying, the sleek lines of the PAMs do not look masculine on a woman, whereas I feel the Ingy would. It's got a much too solid case outline, like the VCO, to my mind. I hope you can see that too.

Are international packages still shipped EMS? Or are they shipped on the slow boat from China? Josh has a couple watches on his "free shipping page" that I am interested in. But Id rather pay for the shipping if its the difference between 1 week and 4 for delivery.

Any experience?

Can't speak about Josh, but if even Paul offered free shipping and sent the item(s) EMS, I can't imagine that Joshua wouldn't. I too have my eye on his Noobmariner, still at a very decent price.

For the record, Paul's packages were often the speediest of them all...despite what was in them.

Building up a decent collection of reps and was looling to get a some travel cases for my watches, sleek compact ileather ones are what I want. Looking to get 2, 4-5 and 8-10 watch cases. I saw some decent one on network54 but cant seem to find them anymore. I dont want cases that are too expensive(<$100), any recommendations? Thanks!

Yes. Although it's not a forum-approved collector or anything, I have dealt with Joe whose eBay ID is Pstrapusa. If you do a search on eBay for "Panerai case", you'll see his 2/4/8 varieties, which run you from USD25 to USD50, not including shipping.

hxxp://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZpstrapusa (change xx to tt)

He ships these Priority and the 8-'pack' arrived the very next day, once!

I highly recommend using Joe's service. Having said that, River is a great seller too. At least there are options.

EDIT: See the 8-case above the Radiomir base shot!

Ha! I recommended the IWC Pilot Chrono 3717 & Ingy (Not Chrono).

I am beginning to warm to the IWC Pilot (chrono). But the Ingy is just a TOUCH too butch, you know? It's truly shaped like a man's watch -- like the Vacheron Constantin Overseas which I tried on in last Monday's Wrist-Check. It's bulky and just not right for me.

The Pilot might work out, because of the strap and more flowing lines.

I still waiting 2007 Ingy; and u can read my review on 3717 beolow my signature!

Welcome to IWC Club Miss.V!

NICE! Thank you, Raymond!

Yes, I will certainly read it. I was on the RWI IWC section just now, and sad to hear the Porto is just not a dependable watch.

I got a lead from the other forum that I could find access to Bergies Belts here. No such luck so far.

Any help? I've PMed but nothing yet.

Looking for a couple suits

Sandelman

Coincidentally, I was checking out his forum just last night. I can assure you the suits are there, and a varied, lovely selection can be had -- but Sandelman, I believe you must be a VIP member to view that area.

Could be wrong. Good deal that you PMed Ken. He should be up any moment. Good luck!

@TT: Drat! Foiled again. Moving right along.

"Old", huh?

BTW, I didn';t need to take the test to know I was...

Quite. My point.

It's one of those innocent "getting to know ourselves" threads which actually has the opposite effect, because for some people there is nothing so off-putting as finding out exactly where you stand politically. It colours some people's whole perception of that person, their thought processes, values, what you can talk to them about, how you think they will react, what their opinions might be like, and in some disgusting cases, if you can trust them or not.

This is instead of finding out the usual way, by subtle interaction, close observation, a chance remark here and there spanning years. Of course, this takes time, and time is not a commodity on the click-and-pick internet.

Fortunately, I'm not even scrolling up except on the one or two people I am interested in, and even then, it was a foregone conclusion where they stood based on what I said above. That they may or may not be diametrically opposed to me is of no concern to me whatsoever, and I will still love their minds just like I did before.

But not all people are common sensical and some take politics as the ultimate zero-sum game of life. Yuck.

Hateful thing, politics.